US1988619A - Method of and apparatus for storing automobiles and the like - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 22, 1935. s. E. BUETT'ELL 1,988,619

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR STORING AUTOMOBILES AND THE LIKE Original Filed March 20, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 {ww-NNW@ Zo v I /5 @Jdu Jan. 22, 1935. s. E. BUETTELL 1,988,619

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR STORING AUTOMOBILES AND THE LIKE Original Filed March 20, 1929 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 22, 1935. s. E. BUETTELL 1,988,619

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR STORING AUTOMOBILES AND THE LIKE Original Filed March 20, 1929 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 22, 1935. s. E. BUETTELL METHOD OF' AND APPARATUS FOR STORING AUTOMOBILES AND THE LIKE Original Filed March 20, 1929 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Jan. 22, 1935. fs', E. Bul-:TTELL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR STORING AUTOMOBILES AND THE LIKE Original Filed March 20, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ww A o Q N rl .H l l! m. N@ 1|I. NQ n K o MW 0@ Q o @DE Nmvomv T .Rv Sv mm w l (lvl QN Ow W ||||l|rl 4 d I |l .FWHM uw ItHl o o Q mw H n w M Wm l.. hwilwfl i UIIIiUHlcII I S @Q NIWVH Nk .Mk Irl, lll mw a INI HVHVH. E WW fnvX ww W. .I |||-W|Wlu| Q *Q Il] I wh .|||l.| l m AT Jan. 22, 1935. s, E. BUETTELL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR STORINGAUTOMOBILES AND THE LIKE Original Filed March 20, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 22, 1935. s. E. BUETTELL 1,988,619

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR STORING AUTOMOBILES AND THE LIKE Original Filed March 20, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 .Patented Jan. 22, 1935 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR STORING AUTOMOBILES AND THE LIKE` Samuel E. Buettell,` Chicago, Ill., assignor to Cross Parking Systems, Inc.,

tion of Illinois Chicago, Ill., a corpora- Application March 20, 1929, Serial N o. 348,525 Renewed November 28, 1933 claims. (o1. 214-161) The present invention relates in general to a novel method of and apparatus for storing automobiles and the like, and more particularlyrto such method and apparatus as is particularly '5 adapted for use in so-called automatic garages of a plurality of stories in height.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a method of handlingautomobiles so that the automobiles may be stored in a plurality of rows or banks and will atall times be accessible to the handling apparatus.

Another object is to provide a method of handling automobiles whereby the automobiles may l be'stored in a double row of stalls accessible to vehicle handling apparatus on the elevator on either side thereof, so that a car may be obtained from any storage stall adjacent the elevatorwithout the necessity of moving the elevator -from` the floor. y, I Another object is to provide a method of storing automobiles consisting in employing means on the elevator to shift the cars accessibleY thereto so that cars in the second bank or ro-w may be obtained.

Another object is to provide improved auto--` mobile handling mechanism, capable of placing a car in any one of a plurality of rows of stalls.

Anotherobject is to provide an improved `truck unit for the vehicle handling mechanism constructed so that it will span the gap from the elevator platform to the floor Without the need of any special truckable sill door or track extensions.

rAnother object is to provide automobile handling mechanism on an elevator on a three position elevator so that two automobiles may be handled at one time. H K

vAnother object is to provide vehicle handling apparatus on the elevator capable of serving'v 40A twelve stalls on every'oor while the vehicle carrier is maintained associated with the elevator.'

Another object is to provide vehiclev handling mechanism capable of placing cars in a plurality'` of storage rows on either side thereof which mayy dling apparatus so that it may be operated at maximum speed with minimum, direction.

A still further objectis to provideV means for. preventing the interference ofthe various ve- A hicle carriers when a plurality of ythemA are 5 mounted upon a single elevator platform.

There are other, objects ofmy inventionwhich together with the foregoing will be describedlin the detailed speciiication which is to follow taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 10 i The present invention is particularly related to automatic garages of the sky scraper4 type where on account of the high value of thelpropertyit is necessary to go high vin the air with, the building in order. to obtain proper return on the investment. Various systems 0fl this type have been constructedV heretofore. For example, reference is made to 'my copending application, Serial #272,169 led April 23, 1928. `In systems of auto-y mobile handling illustrated in this application and in fact in thesystems of the Aprior artin order to provide for high speed handling of nautomobiles which is essential to serve metropolitan demands, it has only been possiblev to store the` automobiles ina single row on either side ofthe vehicle carrier. 'If other rowsareemployed' they` are in the nature of dead storage and Carsin these stalls cannot be obtained readily. This, follows because itis necessaryto shift the cars from the frontrowl so that thosein'the rear rows. may be obtained.V When all the stalls on the, floor areA filled, it is necessary furthe elevator on which the elevator equipment is mounted, Yto` travel to other floorsy of the garage. L 'I 'his in-f volves a great waste of timeandis impractical for metropolitany operation. Howeven. infnany instances,- the size ofthe property upon which the garage is built renders the arrangement, of .stor-v age stalls wherein but a 'singlerow of stallsxare employed" impractical. This follows Aforj, the, reason thatlsuch a layfoutmay waste afs-consider-` able portionV of-the'f ground. Furthermore, it desirable that thevvehicle handling'i'eduipnient* mountedupon the elevator, aswell as the elevator itself be' made -to move into as many stalls 45 as possible in order that the cost on the individual" stalls may be reduced. However, this must be ac# complished without lessening to any material degree the speed at which cars may-be handled.'

It has been found that 'for metropolitan areasv 50 The present `invention provides a method of and apparatus for handling automobiles so that they may be stored in a double row on either side of the elevator, wherein all the cars so stored are accessible to the vehicle handling apparatus without movement of the elevator away from the floor. This permits the best arrangement of vehicle stalls and at the same time does not materially increase the amount of time required to complete one cycle of operation. This enables a very flexible system of garage operation, wherein the property may be developed to the highest degree and the cost distributed overa greater number of stalls so that the cost of equipment is materially reduced.

In practicing my invention I provide a vehicle carrier that is adapted to be mounted upon an elevator platform and which may move transversely there across. A vehicle handling truck is mounted within the vehicle carrier andv is adapted to move out on to the garage rloor on either side of the elevator so as to deposity cars in a plurality of rows on either side. This vehicle carrier may be mounted upon a one position elevator, a two position elevator, or a three position elevator, depending upon the height of the building.' `In the three position elevator, I have found that the best practical arrangement is`to arrangethestorage stalls two deep on either side of the elevators-so thatthe vehicle handling apparatus on a three position-elevator has access to twelve stalls on every iloor. In order to provide maximum speed of handling, I mount two of these vehicle Vcarriers on the three position elevator, though it will be understood that one alone may be employed. For fast operation, it is desirable that one stallv in the twelve on each oor be left vacant, so that the various cars in the first row may be shifted to the various stalls. This system wherein one stall is left vacant is particularly adapted to the three position elevator upon'rwhich only one carrier is mounted.

Wheretwo carriers are employed, it is not necessary to leave the one stall vacant, since the transfer may be accomplished by storing the car in the rst-row4 on the velevator while theother carrier obtains' access to the 'car in the vsecond row.

Where a two position elevator is-employed, having access to eight stalls on every floor, one of these eightstalls is left vacant and the cars in the other seven stalls are readily accessibleto i the carrier.Y In lower types vof buildings wherein the carrier moves .off on to they garage floor, one carrier may have accessto'alarge number of stalls onevery oor. Access may be obtained to carssto'redin any one of these stalls by leaving onestall vacant.` The method of accomplishing these" various results will beobvious from the following description. y i

Referring now to the drawings Fig'. 1 is aground floor planof a typical garage in. which. myr invention is installed employing` three position elevators with two carriers mountedon'eachelevator; i Fig. 2 is a typical iioorplan ofl the storage oor ofthe garageof Fig. 1, showing that the vehicle handling mechanism on one of the eleva-1 tors has access to twelve stalls on eachfloor;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan of one of the storagefloorsof a garage employing a two posif tion elevator, the vehicle `thereon having access tion elevator in which one carrier is mounted thereon;

Fig. 5 is a plan of the three position elevator illustrating the two vehicle carriers mounted thereon;

Fig. 6 is a top plan of one of the vehicle handling units or truck proper;

Fig.` 7 is a side elevation of the same along the line 7-7 of Fig. 6, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 8 is across section thereof, taken along the line 8-3 of Fig. 6; and

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram employing the usual symbols to indicate the apparatus and circuits for controlling one of the vehicle handling units.

Like reference characters in the various drawings apply to similar parts throughout. In Fig. 1 the reference characters 10 indicate three entrances to the garage. Each entrance leads to twoV loading positions 11.in front of the elevator platform 16. These loading Apositions are for-med by raised platforms 12 integral with the floor to guide the vehicles into the loading position 11. Loading pits 13 are provided for the movement of the mechanical equipment. Each elevator 16 is provided with two vehicle carriers 17 and 18 mounted thereon. The garage is also provided with exits 14 opening on two discharge positions 15 before each elevator 16. Thedischarge positions 15 are also formed by raised portions of the floor 19 so as to guide the vehicle wheels. A ldischarge pit 20 in each loading position `is also provided for movement of the mechanicalequipment on the elevator. Y

In Fig. 2` it will be seen that the vehicle moving units 17 and 18 have access to twelve storage stalls 21 on each floor. In Fig. 5 the reference character 16 designates the elevator platform upon which are mounted the vehicle carriers 17 and 18. Three rails 25 are Vdistributed across the elevator platform and are suitably affixed thereto as are two driving racks 26 of any usual or well known construction. Each carrier is supported on six roller bearing wheels 27 `suitably connected in pairs by means of axles not shown. Thewheels serve. to support a structural steel frame 29 carrying two spaced apart vehicle wheel guiding runways, each formed from two angles 30 and 31. The manner in which this carrier frame is constructed has been described more in `detail in the copending applicationV of Samuel E. Buettell and Julius J. Gruenfeld, Serial #315,802 filed October 29, 1928, with theexception that the transfer frame is removed. Reference is made to this application for a more detailed description. Mounted upon the brackets supporting the vehicle wheel guiding runways comprising the angles 30 and 31 are the angles 32 whichlserve to provide a track for the vehicle movingvtruck 33. A base plate or platform34 is suitably mounted on the lower part of the carrier frame andcarries a motor 35 and a speed reducer 36. The speed reducer 36A drives a sprocket 37 mounted upon` a shaft 36 supported by an outboard bearing 39. A chain 40 passes over a sprocket 41 mounted upon a shaft 42 revolving in the bearings 43, 44 and 45 in the cross members 46 of the frame 29. Two spur gears 47 are adaptedto mesh with racks 26 to drive the carrier framea cast metallic frame 48 of the general formy illustrated in Fig. 6 lwith the side members-shaped sol as to provide recesses into which the rollers andV their operating mechanism are placed. A driving motor. 50 is suitably mounted within the steel casting 48 and drives a spur gear 51Ithat is adapted to rotate the spur gear 52 through the geartrain 53 suitably aixed to the steel casting 48.. The spur gear 52 is splined or otherwise affixed to an axle 54 supported in bearings 55 and carrying supporting wheels 56. A bevel gear 57 is mounted upon the axle 54 and is adapted to mesh withthe bevel gear 58 mountedy upon ay shaft 59 rotatable -in bearings 60 mounted upon the steel casting 48. The other end of the shaft 59 carries a bevel gear 61 that is adapted to mesh with ,a bevel 'gear-,62 splined upon an axle 63 connecting thedrivingwheels 64. `The axle 63rotates in bearings 65-in the steel casting 43. At each Vend of the truck, there is provided a pair of ,idler wheels 66 mounted upon stub shafts 67 rotating in bearings 68 in the steel casting. The idler wheels 66. are spaced suiiicientlylfrom the driving wheels `56 and 64 so as to bridge the gap between the elevator platform and the storagel racks. A control cablei 67. :connected to a reel 68 suitably secured to the carrier frame 29 suppliesvpower to the truck 33, aswell as controlling it. A motor 68 is suitably mounted Within the steel lcasting 43 and.. drives a pinion 69 through a-gear train 70. A rack member.7l is slidably mounted in the bearing r guide 72 above the pinion 69. A second rack 73 is slidably mounted in the bearing guide 74 below the pinion 69. The rack members and 73 may be described as over-shot and under-shot respectively. The rack member'71 is attached to a connecting member 75 connecting the roller arm brackets 76 and 77. Each roller arm bracketis provided with two rollers 78 and 79. vRoller arm brackets 76 and 77.are thus adapted to be moved outwardly bythe sliding movement of therack member 71 and carry the rollers 78 and 79 over the runways comprising the angles 30 and 31. The otherrack member 73. is attached to the connecting .member 80 that connects the roller arm brackets 81 and 82, each carrying a pair of rollers 78 and 79, thus thezrollers 78 .and79 are adapted to be extended overthe other track by movement of the rack member 73. The roller arm brackets and the l connecting members 75 and 80 are guided by the four guiding members 83suitably amxed to the steel casting 48. vThe construction of. the connectingmembers 75, the roller'arm brackets 76, 77, 81 and 82, and the rollers 78 and .79, as well as the detailed manner in which they operate, have all been described in the ccpending applicationr of Samuel E. Buettell and JuliusJ. Gruenfeld, Serial #315,802 filed October 29, 1928,.to' which reference is made for a more detailed description. A pair of limit switches l84 aremounted on either side of the steel'truck casting. 48.` These limit switches provide for control of the truck and may be of lany suitable construction.

It will be seen that the operation of the .motor .35 serves to drive the pinions 47 through a speed -the carrier frame when theimotor isfdeenergized.

The ,rotation of the motor 35 in one direction drives the transfer frame in one direction and its reverse direction serves to reverse the movement ofthe carrierr frame. The: carrier" frame may thu'sbefmoved transverselylacross the elethe elevator platform. `The vehicle moving'rtruck unit 33 is adapted to be moved longitudinally of the carrier frame by the motor 50 drivingithe axles 54 and 63 .carrying the wheels 56 and 64 respectively. These wheels as Well as the wheels 66 travel upon the tracks formed b'y the angles 32. Thus all four wheels 64 and 56 serve to drlvethe truck 33 in either one of two directions depending upon the rotation of the motor 50.

The racks in the various stalls are formed from angles similar to the angles 30 and 3l'and are supportedupon suitable brackets so that they are raised above the floor to provide space for movement'of the truck l33. .Angles 90 are mounted upon these brackets and are of the same relative height as the angles 32 on Athe carrier frame so that these angles lconstitute extensions of the tracks 32 and provide tracks upon which thetruck 33 may move. The weight of the truck unit 33 is such as to give the required traction'for its movement and also to enable it to move a vehicle, as will appear. angles forming the'racks may be variably spaced, as has been described in my copending application, Serial #272,169 led April 23, 1928, above referred to. The stalls comprise two spaced apart racks which may be sufliciently longto carry two cars, one in front of the other or they may be formed of shorter angles with their ends abutting each other. that the tracks formed by the angles in the racks extend the full length thereof v:and 'provide a bearingsurface or track upon which the truck 33 may move. The truck 33 is adapted to bring about theY rolling of a car along the runways of the carrier frame into any one of the stalls or vice-versa. This result is accomplished It will be appreciated 'that the` It is onlynecessary by the extension of th-e four sets of rollerson either side of a pair of wheels of the vehicle. The extension and retraction of these rollers is accomplished bythe control of the motor` 68 which through the rack members 70 and 73 operates to extend and retract the sets of rollers on either side of the truck. Control circuits are provided forl bringing about the operation of the motor when the truck is positioned adjacent to a pair of wheels on the vehicle so that the wheel of the vehicle rests on the vehicle.` track with the rollers on veither side of it. The motor 50 may then be operated to drive the truck, and

the vehicle rolls on its Wheels, since the inneroperating and bearing upon the track, permitting t v the wheels of,v the vehicle to revolve freely. In the event that the vehicle Vwheels are rather hard to operate the vehicle is lifted somewhat and.

since the inner roller is free to revolve, the

weight of the vehicle is carried by the outerroller on the vehicle track. The otherpairof rollers on opposite side of the..wheel maintain the vehiclel at all times under the control of the.

truck initsrolling movement. t

Having described the mechanical construction of my invention, I shall now describe its operation under thel electrical control illustrated in Fig. 9. It will be appreciated that this drawing repf resents only one form, of electrical control and that this controlV may. bemodiiied and changed as desired. The operation of the circuit illustrated in Fig.` 9 will be more easily observed byr referring to AFigs..1 and 2 inconjunction with it, i

which illustrateI ai three vposition two carrier elevator,havingaldoubleirow of stalls oneither'side thereof; The operationof the control circuit will ilrstA be described by assuming that'an automobilexentersthegarage through one lof the entrances'ldand is driven to a loading position 11 before one of the elevatorsl' upon which the carriersi V1.7 and 18 are-mounted. It will be assumed thatthe carrier. .18 is the one that must function to bring,abouti-the movement' of the automobile on to` the elevator. To accomplish this result, push button'A-l will be` momentarily depressed and Vthere will be a circuit completed, since the elevator is ,properly leveled at the loading iioor and thedoors arev properly opened,.as Vdetermined by the vinterlocking switch 220, extending from,

the positivelside of the line, fuse 230, switch 220, contacts of push button'A--L relayy 202, resistor 205,l emergency stop switch 228'and fuse 229 to thefnegative sideof the line. "The relay 202 is energized over this circuit. The relay 202 is operated topreparea circuit for the relay N that controls-.the circuit ofthe motor 35 at its armature 208.; however, since the carrier 18 is in its furthermost north position, the limit switch 222 is operated. Another circuit completed .by the .relay 202-extends from` the positiveside of the line, fusel230, contacts'220, contacts of push button A--l, contacts of relay 202, normally closed conitacts K--2, relay K, .normally closed contacts T-4, normally closed contacts U-4, emergency stop. switch 228and fuse '229 to the negative side of` the line. The relay. K is energized over this circuit and serves to establish a locking circuit for itself ,at the contacts K-l and to open its original' energizingcircuit at the contacts K-2. When the push buttonA-l is released the relay 202is deenergized. The operation of the relay K serves tok complete a circuit extending from the positive side or the line, fuse 230, switch 248, which is closed whenA the carrierv 18 is properly alinedl-with its wheel guiding racks in line with the wheelpguiding tracks .of the vehicle stall with'which it is adjacent, contacts K-B, relay AQ, limitr switch'235, .limit switch 270, contacts S-'3, contacts N-'-3, stop switch 228 and fuse 229` to thenegative side ofv theline. The relay Q is energized over this circuit and operates to prepa-re a locking circuit for itself at 'the contacts Q-l. The operation of the relay. Q serves to complete a circuit for 4the driving motor 50 of the truck 33 in such direction as to bring about the rotation ofthe wheels .54 through the gear train 53 andthe bevel gears 57. and 58to move'the truck z 33' along the Ytracks 32 off the carrier frame and Y into' the' loading pit 13.

movedin thisamanner to the loading position, the limit switch 235 is operated to open the circuit'V When the truck 33 is Two switches are shown onia single side vof the truck: becauseit may be desirabletoslow' down the movement of the'truck before it` reaches itsV actual limit to'prevent coasting. The rst of `'the limit switches 84 to engage the operating cam in the loading pit may accomplish this slowdown and the last limit. switch will actually open the circuitof vthe relay'Q to deenergize the motor'() which-may be provided Witha brake if desired. 'I'he'lliinit'switches 84. on. 'the other side of the truckfunctions in .the same manner` except .they are adaptedrtobe -operatedzin .a different positionof thetruckaswill appear. :The deenergization ofthe relay kQ brings about the stopping of the trucki.33,-.in a position beneath' the front- Awheels. cfa vehicle with Vthe rollers '78.and 79 in position on either side of.4 the front wheels so that they may be extended on to the vehicle runways of .the loading station without engaging the wheel. 'Whenever.- the vehicle handling truck moves oil` the carrier frame into a stall byithe operation ofthe relay Q, the switch 260 is operated. While if` the motor 50 of the transfer truck is operatedfbymeans ofthe relay R so as to move theN truck in the other direction off the carrier frame, the switch'262 is closed.

By the operationl of theswitch 260 when the relay .Q .iszdeenergizedv there ,isA a circuit Vcompleted which extends from the positive side of the line,"fuse.230; switch 260, normally closed contacts Q-,5, contactsK-"T, contacts T-3, contacts P-l, contactszQ-, relay U, switch 239. contact member.250of.switch 241, contact making member I2,49*,r` stop switch 228 andfuse 229 tothe negative. sideofy the line. The switch 239 is; mounted lupon one end ofthe truck 33and is adapted to `be* operated by'a lever not shown,

which is thrown into operating position if the wheel'of the vehicle is properly Ypositioned Vtherein, thezswitch240 having been opened at: the loadingffloor by the operation of the door cam. The manner in which the switch239 is operated has 'been described" in detail in my copending applicationSeral #272,169, led Apri1'23, 1928, above referred to. The switchv 241 is a switch that Visradapted to ,control the o-peration of the roller arm spreaders carrying the rollers '18.andl

'79. In thepresent-instance'with the roller arm spreaders-'in their retractedposition the switch 241 has itscontact. makingmember. 249' in engagement with the contact member 250. .The relayU .isz immediately-operated over the above traced circuit to` completea circuit for the motor 68 in such direction lasztobring about an extension ofztherjoller. arm spreaders 75 and 80 so that the rollers` 78and '79u are extended to a position on Veither sideof thefrontwheelsof Athe vehicle.

When in this position the switch-241 is operated so thatits contactmaking member. 249 is swung into engagement with the contact membery 251, whereupon. the relay U isdeenergized to open the circuit` of the motor 68. When` the relay U is rst energized, ,the locking circuit of the relayK is opened'at the contacts U-4v and the relayK sdeenergized to open the original energizing circuit'of.4 thev relay Q'at the contacts K-3.and of therelay U at the y'contacts K'7. When the relays K and U are bothdeenergized with. the transfer truck extendedoi the carrier frame, there isi a circuitco-mpleted, which, extends from the positiveside of the line, fuse'230, switch 260,

normally closed contactsfgU-5, 4normally closedl contacts .'T; .normally closed contacts 'K+-6, relay R, contact. member266 of the switch 238, .contact making member 265 of said switchylimit 'switch236,' limit yswitch 271, contacts S-3, contacts N-B, stop switch 228 and fuse 229 to the negative sideof the line. The limita switch 236 is adaptedto be operated when .the transfer truck 33" is.. moved from the carrier' frame 29 in the opposite direction imposition to engage the wheels of a v ehiclein the'rst stall. Thetlimit switch 2E1.-isasimilar switch that-is vadapted to be operated'when `the transferutruck 33:is1moved adja.-

centato the proper setof vehicle. wheels in @the stallibehinditheI first sta11:on'..the.opposite sides of 'the' carrierframe; IA `switclr238.- remains with;

its contactfmakinglmember 265 in engagement with the contact member 266 until the transfer truck 33 passes its center position on the vehicle carrier frame 29. The roperation of lthe relay R serves to complete a circuit for' the motor 50 of the transfer truck 33 so as-to driveit-baok on to the carrier frame. The switch 237 is radapted -to open its Contacts whenV the vehicle wheel engages it and is constructed and mounted in the manner similar tothe switch 109 described in my prior copending application above referred to. The operationof the truck 33 in moving back on to the carrier frame with' its rollers extended bring about the rolling movementof the vehicle from the loading station runways-on' to the vehicle wheel'guiding tracks of the carrier frame 29. The relay R operates to establish a locking circuit for itself through the contacts R-l,vswitch 272, and limit switch 273. l1 he switch 272 is closed because the rollers are in an extended position. The limit switch 273 is operated when the truck is moved to either end of the carrier frame. When the front wheels of the vehicle' engage the switch 273, its opening has no veffect since the circuit of the relay R passes through the switch 238. However, when the transfer truck passes its center position on the vehicle carrier, the switch 238 is open and when the rear vehicle wheels rest in suitable'depressions in the wheel guiding runways made up of the angles 30 and v31, the switch237 is again opened and its opening brings about the deenergization of the relay R which serves to open the circuit of the motor 50, thereby stopping the movement of the truck 33 with the vehicle properly positionedron the vehicle carrier. The -rear wheels of theV vehicle may rest in suitable depressions not shown, which have been described in my prior copending application. It will be seen that by the provision of the switches 265' yand '237 that the vehicle is always stopped with its rear wheels-resting` at a predetermined point with relation to the carrier frame. It will be appreciated that a suitable accelerator may be employed in connection with the motor 50 'so as to start the movement of they vehicle slowly and gradually 'increase its speed, as well as to sto-p the vehicle slowly. This provision serves to reduce the amount of wear and tear on the equipment vas well as rto reduce 'the jar to which the vehicle is subjected. By the return of the'transfer truck 33 -on to the carrier frame, the switch 260 opened, so that the-original vcircuit of the relay R is no longer effective. Thev'ehicle has now been loaded on to the carrier frame resting onthe elevator platform and the elevator may be raised to any desired floor.

The elevator operator` may predetermine the stallto which the vehicle isrtc be moved land stored. That is, in a three position, two carrier elevator, having access to ktwelve vstalls on every oor, the elevator operator may select any one of eight stalls to which the carrier or vehicle handling mechanism18 may have access. The floor that'the ystall is located on is immaterial so lfar as the presentbperation is concerned. For the purpose of description, itwill' be assumed that the elevator operator desires to placethe car in the middle stall of the front row on the same sideof the building as the loading station, that is, in the stall C-l, Fig. 2. To accomplish this result, the elevator operator will depress the push button C-vl, and at the same time'he may initiate the operation of the elevator to the desired floor. When the push button C-l is operated,

there isa circuit completed extendingfrom the positive side of theline, fuse 230, interlock switch 220, contacts of push button C-l, relay 200, Yresistor 205, stop switch 228 and'A fuse 229 tothe negative side of the line. This circuit is completed provided the interlock switch 220 is closed, which it is if the transfer truck 33 is on thecarrier frame 29. The relay 200 serves tocomplete a circuit at its armature'210 for the relay K and for the relay S in multiple. The relay K is energized to establish a locking circuit `for itself at the contacts K-,l and to open its original ener; gizingcircuit at the contacts K-2. The circuit of the relay4 S is'closed at this time becausethe limit switch 227 is not operated'for the reason that the vehicle handling unit 18 is in its furthermost north position. The interlock switch 272 is operated when the other vehicle carrier 17 is in the middle position on the elevator so'that therel willbe no interference rbetween therespective carriers in rtheir cycles of' operation, likewise in the control circuit of the carrier 17, there is provided an interlock switch similar to thev switch 272, which will function to prevent its operation if the carrier 18 is out of normal position adjacent the side ofthe elevator. The operation of the relay S serves to complete a circuit'for the motor 35 in such direction as todrive the vehicle han-- dling unit 18 into the center position on the elvator. It will be appreciated that an accelerating switch may be employed at'this point iffdesired. The relay S operates toestablish a locking circuit for itself, as well as' forthe relay 200 at the contacts S-2. When the carrienframe has moved over to its properposition, the limit switch 227 is operated toopen thecircuit ofthe relay S and `this relay is deenergized toop'en the circuit of the motor 35 and to open the'locking circuit of the relay 200. The motor 35 ceases topperate as the carrier frame is now in the proper position` on the elevator platform... The push buttons N and S mightbe termed inching buttons and control the circuits of therelays'N and S' directly, so that if the limit switches 222 and 227 do not bring about the stoppingfofr the transverse movement of the carrier frame at `the proper time, it'may be manually moved into place until its vehicle wheel guiding'tracks aline with the tracks of the st all racks. 'Ihe operation of the relayK alsov servesv to prepare a circuit for the relay Q, however, this circuit is` not effectiveuntil-the elevator is leveledv at thejpropi er iloorandthedoors open and the carrierframe 18 alineswith the stall. .This lis all determined by the switch v2l8. vWhen these operations are completed, there is a circuit completed forv the relay Q and this relay isenergized to establish a` circuit for the motor of the transfer truck 3 3 in such direction asto drive it into the'stall marked C-1,Fig.'2. The movement of the'tr 33 serves to bring about the rolling movement of the vehicle along the vehicle wheel guiding tracks of thecarrier and.' of the stall.` yWhen thetruck reaches its limit of movement for' placing the vehicle Yin the rst stall, the limit switch 235 is operated to open the circuit of the relay Q, thereby deenergizing the motor 50 and stopping the truck with thevehicle in its proper'position in the stall. A circuit' is no-w eiective upon the deenergization of the relay `Q,'which extends from the positive side of the line, fuse 230, switch 260, contacts Q-5, contacts K-7, contacts U-3, relay T, contact member 251 of switch 241, contact making member249,` stop switch 228'and fuse 229 to the negative `side of the line'.v The .relayfT issomewhat'slowto-operate and after a short Iinterval of time,- serves to complete a -cirvcuit Yfor the ,motor 68 in such` direction asfto bring about theretraction ofthe rollerarmspreaders 75.and.80, togetherwithfthe rollers78 and79 to theirhormal position.v Thev relayT also serves toestablish a lockingcircuitfor itself at the con,- tactsfT.-2. The operation. of the relay T also Opens thelocking circuit, of the Vrelay K atV thev `contacts TIK-4, .therebyopening vits own original energizing circuit upon the deenergization of the relay K atthecontacts 4K,7. When the roller aimpreaders 75 -and..80. are retracted to their normal position the switch 241 isoperatedtoopen the circuit ofthe .relayT and to bringthe contact' Imaking. member ,249 into .engagement with the contactmember 250.'` Upon the deenergizationlof the relay T, .there lis. a circuit completed which' extends from ,the-,.positiveside of the line, fuse 230, switch 260,.contacts U45, contacts T.-6, contacts K-6, relayjR, switch 237, limit switch v236,1.limit switch, 271, contacts S-3 contacts N-B; stop switch 228,.and.fuse.229 to thenegative side of jtheline. Relay Rfis energizedover this circuit andrlservesto complete a circuitfor the motor 50' of jth'e transfer truck 33 insueh directionjasfto bringv aboutthe. movement of the truck from the stall on tothecarrier frame.. The locking circuit. for the .relay R isnot eiective at this time because the switch 272 .is opened, vthe roller spreaderarms of vthe truck 33 being in .their retracted position.. As soon as the truck 33 is moved. backonl-to thec'arrier frame the switch 260 is opened thereby-openingthecircuit of the relay R2.' The relay R isdeenergized to-.open lthe fcircuitof 'the .motor 50. The elevator may now "bereturned tothe `loading-floor in any usual or wellknown manner. n n y A 'It will be appreciated -that .automatic .control may ,be provided, to. bring about the v`elevator voperation and toeffect the openingand closing of the doors on eithersideof theelevatorhatch at the.. desired floors.. The preferablepractice is to provideina .three position elevator.,` one llarge door!A on either side of the hatch so that one door williserve the sixjstalls on that side. The circuits A:for .controlling the elevator land door operation jhave not beenshown, as anylordinary or usualtype may be employed. However, the-interlocks between. thedoor and theelevator operatf ing equipment have been, illustrated.

M Inorder .to/blingv about theoperation of the swit'ch`controlled vby the doors, it isV the .usual practice "to provideoperating levers on, the elevatorthat maywbeextended whilethe Aelevator is running. The rel'ay206 is adapted toperform this function., This,..re1ay isenergized through th'ejswit'ch 221, which is clsedwhenl the.: elevator is running.

' "The operationpin lobtaining ka, car i from one,V of the storage stalls'. and deliveringit, occurs 'insubstantiallythesame manner as'hereinbefore described'and Willlbe obvious from the foregoingdescription, .and also from the description .ofy certain operations to follow. y Y

Y I t/will -now, be assumed that when. a car is loaded on the carrier, Athat it is desired to store it in a ystorage stallfontheopposite sides ofthe elevator'from thatwhereit Was received.` In order tol'accomplish,.1this result, the elevator `operator at-thetime he initiates the operation of the. elevator, he presses the pushfbuttonD-l,` assuming that this correspondsto thevdesired stall. When the push button D.1 is depressed,.there is. acircuit completedl for` the ,relay 201 and this. relay of the line.

,attracts l its armature 209,;thereby. completingI :a

circuit forfthe'relayvJ, as *well as forthe'relay VS iff-thecarrier isrnot properly positioned transverselyk with respect-to the elevator. Another result ofv the operation of the pushbutton D-l -is that a vcircuit is completedextending from :the contacts of 'the -push button D-l, normally closed contacts P-3, relay .P, switch 234, contacts1Q-2, stop switch 228 and fuse 229 to the negative side Therelay P is energized over'this circuit Aand -operatesfto open this original `energizing circuit at-the c ontacts-P-B to establishv a lockingpcircuit for itself at thecontactsP-4`and torprepare a circuit for the relay V at the` contacts .P+6.v By theoperation -of lthe relay `vS fthe vehicle handling equipment 18 is `moved untilthe carrier frame 29` is inalinement Withthefstall designated by the reference character D-l; Fig. 2. Another `result vof* `theoperationl of the, relay 201 is-that there is -a vcircuit completedffor the relay J, .which .isoperated to establish a locking circuit for itself at the `contacts J-l and. to open its original energizing circuitv at the contacts J-2. By; the operation of:` the relays-P and VJ, there is a circuit completed,-whichextendslfrom the positivel side of the line, .fuse 230, contacts P-5,fcontacts'J-5, contacts.U-3, relay T, con,- tact member 251 of 'switch- 241,. contact making member 249, stop switch 228 and fuse=229 to the negativeside of. the line.` The chain T is operated-to complete a circuit for themotor- 68in suchzdirectionqas to bring about a retraction of thefrollers 78 and 79. When-the rollers-reach their retracted position; the switchA 241 fis'operated toopen'the circuit oftherelay T. The-relay T' in operating also establishes af lockngrcircuit for itselfnanol' opens the circuit of the-relay J-. By the; operation fof the switch-"241,` there is a circuitcompleted-'forithefrelay V by the waygof the ycorrtacts -P--pv4 The relay Vfoperatestoestablishl azlockingi circuit for itself Vat the contacts V-3 and -toprepare afcircuitforthe'relay U` at the contactszV-.4. Another result'of theoperationof the :relay Vis the f completionV ofY a-,circuit extending:from the positive 'sideiof the line;` fuse 230, contactsV-Z, limit switch'274,-.' relay Q, limit switch235,` limit switch 270, contacts'S-, contacts aN-3, stop. switch;A 228and fuse-229 to the negative sideof thev line.. 'I'hewswitch ,274 is a ylimit switch rthat is, .mounted oni the ,transfer truck'33ithatis adapted-to be operated when the transferitruckris in such aposition'onv the carrier frame as tolbe inialinement with the rear AWheels of the vehicle,whichxhave been-stopped at the predeterminedxpoint on the vehicle Vcarrierirunways as determined by theswitch 237;: The rrelay'Q operates to complete a.circuityfo'rtheftransfer truck motor 50.in suchf'position las to drive'the truck into alinem'ent withl therearwheels'of the vehicle. Whenv the truck 33 :is in this position the limit lswitch 2741s operated rto'openxthe circuit 'of therrelay Q and this relay-is'deenergized to open the-circuit of the motor 50 and-stopthe further movement of the transfer truck 33. When the relayV Q is-energized, thelocking circuit ,of the relayP is openedy andzthis relay is deener.- gizedto open the original energizing circuitv of the relay Vand to prepare-apoint-infthe-circuit of the relayv U. Now when therelay Q- is deenergized there isa circuit completedv for the relay U through the contacts V3,..V-4, T-3, P-7,. Q-S, relay U, switch 240 and switch 241. The relayU is energized over thisV circuit to complete a circuit for the motor 68. The motor 68 is operated to bring. about `an extension of the nosas-19 movement ofthe carrier 18 has been completed,

since the relay S maintains thecircuit of-the relay Q opened until this time. As soon as the rollers 78 and 79 have been properly extended the switch 241 is operated to open thel circuits A.of the relays U and V, which are immediately deenergized. Now when the elevator reaches the desired iloor, is leveled thereat,and the doors have been properly opened, provided the carrier tracks are properly alined with the tracks of the stall D-l, there is a circuit completed which extends from the positive side of the line, fuse 230, switch 248, contacts J--3, relay R, contact member 266 of switch 238, contact making member 265, limit switch 236, limit switch 271, contacts S-Y3, contacts N-v-S, stop switch 228 and fuse 229 to the negative side of the line. The Vrelay R is operated over this circuit for the reason that the circuit of the relay J has been previously closed by the followingr operations. was previously energized, there was a circuit completed by the way of the contacts P-2, contacts J-4, relay O, the relay J having been deenergized. The relay O operates to establish a locking circuit for itself at the contacts O-2. ANow when the relay V is energized, there is a circuit completed for the relay J, through the contacts O-l and V--l in series with the relay J. The circuit for the relay J is interrupted by the operation of either of the relays T and U. However, the relay V is slower to deenergize than either of the relays U or V, consequently, this circuit is established upon the operation of the switch 241 after the deenergization of the relay U.

The operation of the relay R serves to complete a circuit for the motor 50 in such direction as to drive the transfer truck A33 off the carrier into the stall D-1, thereby rolling the automobile along the vehicle `wheel guiding tracks of the carrier and the stall until it is properly positioned therein whereupon the limit switch 236 will be operated. The operation of the limit switch 236 serves to open the circuit of the relay R, which is deenergized to open the circuit of the motor 50 and stop the further movement of the transfer truck 33. There is now a circuit completed which extends from the positive side of the line, fuse 230, switch 262, contacts R-, contacts J-7, contacts U--3, relay T, contact member 251 of switch 241, Contact making member 249 of said switch, stop switch228 and fuse 229 to the negative side of the line. The relay T is energized over this circuit to bringlabout the operation of the motor 68 to withdraw rollers 78 and 79 from their extended position -into their retracted position. By the deenergization of the relay T, there is a circuit completed which extends from the positive side of the line, fuse 230, switch 262, contacts T-5, contacts U-6, contacts J-6, relay Q, limit switch 235, limit switch 270, contacts S43, contacts N-B, stop `switch 228 and vfuse 229 to the negative side of the line. The relay Q is energizedvover this circuit and operates to complete a circuit for-the motor 50 in such direction `as Ato drive the transfer truck 33 back on to the carrier frame 29. When the truck 33 moves on to the carrier frame, the switch 262 is opened to bring about the deenergization of the relay Q, thereby opening the When ,the relay P` circuit of the motor 50 and preventing further movement ofthe transfer Vtruck 33. The elevator may now be returned to the loading floor in any manner desired.

I shall now describe the operation of the vehicle handling equipment when it is necessary to withdraw avehicle from a stall in the second row; for example, thestall C-2, Fig. 2. In order to accomplish this result the elevator operator willdepress the push button C-Z. As a result of the operation of this push button there is a circuit completed for the relay 200 and also for fthe relay X. The circuit for the relay X may be traced fronrthe positive side of the line, fuse 239, switch 220, contacts of push buttons of C-2, contacts X-i, relay X, contacts T-'5, contacts U-5, stop switch 228 and fuse 229 to the negativeside of the line. The relay X is energized over this circuit and operates to open its original energizing circuit at the contacts X-l, to establish a locking circuitfor itself at the cont-acts X-2. It will be seen that the operation of the `relay X serves to shunt the limit switches 235 noted that as soon as the relay T or U is operated the relay X is deenergized, as the relays T and U are not operated except when the truck is properly positioned. There is one situation however, where these relays .T and U are operated when it is not desired to release the relay X. This condition occurs when after a vehicle has vbeen loaded on to the vehicle carrier 18 in the manner described,it is desired totransfer to any one of the stalls B-2, or D-2. In order to accomplish this result either of the push buttons D-2 or B-2 are operated. It will beseen that the operations of either one of these push buttons in addition to performing the usual results, brings about the operation of the relay P. The relayv P is energized to shunt the contacts T- and U-5, so that the relay X is maintained energized during the time that the truck is transferred from association with `the lfront wheels of the vehicle to the rear wheels thereof. After this repositioning` when the elevator is properly leveled at the iioor and the doors are opened the vehicle will be moved into either of the stalls B-2 or D-2 in the same manner as described and when the relay T is energizedthe `relay X will be deenergized so as to be prepared for a new'operation.

f It is thought that with the yforegoing description of the electrical control circuits that the' manner inl which the vehicle handling equipment including carrier 18 functions to store or withdraw a vehicle from anyone ofthe stalls 23.-1, .l-2, B-L B-Z, C'-l, Cl-Z, D-1and 'i3-2 win ,be obvious.

The vehicle handling mechanism including the vehicle carrier 17 is also capable of functioning on the elevator platform 16 to store or withdraw a vehicle from any one of the stalls C-l, C- -2, D-l, D-2, E--1, lil-2, F-1and'F-2- It will' be obvious by referring to Fig. 1 that each of the carriers 17 and 18 may be employed simultaneously to transfer two cars on the elevator which will then be operated to raise the carriers with the car to thedesirediloor, whereupon the vehicle carriers may be operated to deposit the cars 'simultaneously into two of the stalls. It will be vobvious also that there can be no interference betweenthe vehicle handling mechanisms 17 and 18 for the reason of the provision of the interlock `switches such as 272 on each carrier.

The emergency stop switch 228 is provided so that the elevatorcperator may restore all of the equipment to normal at any time he desires. For example,V ifthe elevator operator has a car on each vehicle handling mechanism 17 and. 18 and happens to push the buttons corresponding to the stall C--l on one carrier and D--2 on the other carrier, one carrier will be moved into alinement with these two stalls; The operationv ofthe othercarrier willnot occur, consequently the operator noting this will operate the stop switches 228 ofthe one carrier that is not operatedand depress a push button designating another stall.

It will be obvious that they vehicle handling mechanism described above is capable of serving two or more .rows of stalls on either side. It is only necessary to lengthen out the cable supplying the electrical. energy to the truck 33, permitting it to run out intotwo, three or more rows of stalls.l

It will be appreciated also that the Velectrical control circuits illustrated in Figi) may be readily modiiied to take care of additional rows of stalls on either side. It will be seen that in order to take care ofa secondrow of stalls, the relay X has been added in order to short circuit the limit - switches 235 and 236 when certain push buttons designating the rear stalls are depressed. If the third row of stalls were shown, another relay similar to the relay X would be provided, which would be operated from the push buttons designating the third row of stalls. The operation of this -relay would serve to short circuit both the limit switches 235 and 236 and 270 and 271. An additional limit switch would bel provided in the circuits of the relay Q and R so that they would be operated when the truck 33 was in position in the third stall back.

I-Iaving described the construction of the mechanical devices of my invention, together with their operation, I shall now explain the method of operating these-devices in the handling of automobiles so that the Vehicles may be stored in a plurality of rows-on either side'of the-elevator in Such manner that they are accessible at all times to the vehicle handling device of my invention.

Fig.' 2 asbefore stated, illustrates a floor plan of atypical garage, wherein a three position two carrier elevator is necessary to handle the cars fast'enough to meet conditions encountered. A double row of stalls on either side of the'elevator are also provided, that isr the vehicles in twelve stalls are accessible-to the vehicle handling equipment on the elevator platform 1'6. In order to Aobtainrmaximurxi speed of the vehicle handling equipment, one stall, preferably the stall C-l or D-l may be left vacant on each 'oorL rlhat is, in the usual operation, but eleven stalls out of the twelve on Vevery oor are used. The manner in which the vehicles areplaced in these various stalls will be obvious fromv the preceding description.` It will be' assumed that the eleven stalls contained stored vehicles and that the stall D-l is left vacant. The manner of obtaining vehicles from any one of the stalls A-l, C-1, E--L B-l, F-l rand D-2`will be obvious. Now, if it is de- Siredtoiobtain a vehicle from the stall'C-L- the vehicle-carrier 17 is first operatedl transverselyof the elevator platform 16 into alinement with the stall C-l from which the vehicle in the stall C--l is moved on to the carrier 17 bythe vehicle handling device thereof.` The carrier v1'7 is then transferred back to its original -position on the elevator. The carrier 18 is then moved transverselyof the platform 16 and the vehicle from the stallC-Z may be obtained inan obvious manner. The car on the vehicle carrier 17 may then be placed back in the stall C-l.

In the event that it is desired to obtain a vehicle in the stall A--2, thevehicle carrier 18 is operated to take a vehiclevv from stall A--l and place it in the vacant stall'D--l and then the vehicle in the stall A-2 may be obtained in an obvious manner. The-vehicles in the stalls E--2, B--2 and F-2 are obtained in a manner -similar to that already described.

It will be seen that by this method of operation, it is unnecessary to move the elevator away from the floor at which the stall Vis located and that the vehicles stored in anyone of the stalls may be easily obtained. Were it not for this method of handling the vehicles, it would be necessary for the elevator to be operated before a'car in the second row could be obtained. However, in the present instance lthis elevator travelis entirely eliminated, thereby materially increasing the speed at which the vehicle may be handled.

As -explainedbefore the usual method in a garage of this character is to leave one of the twelve stalls vacant, however it isdesirable that full advantage be obtained from thetwelve stalls when the garage is loaded. In this instance the Vehicles may still be obtained from any-oneof the storage stalls while the elevator is maintained atthe oor, though in certain instances, a little more time may be consumed. The manner in which lthe operation of obtaining a car from any one of thesestalls when they are all full, will now be described. v

Vehicles in the stalls C--1, C-2, A-l, E--1, B-l, D-l, D-2 and F-l may all be obviously obtained by the use'of one ofthe carriers 17 or 18 as a storage carrier during'the transfer movement.

It will now be assumed that it is desired toobtain a vehicle from the stall A-2. The vehicle carrier 17 is rst moved in alnement with the stalls C--1 and D--l and the vehicle from the stall C-1 is transferred on to the carrier V17 which is then moved back to its original position on the elevator. Simultaneously the vehicle handling mechanism on the vehicle carrier 18 is operated to transfer the' car in the stall A-l on to the Vehicle carrier 18. The vehicle carrier 18 is then moved transversely of the elevator platform until in alinement with the stall C-l, the vehicle carrier 17 having been moved to its original position on' the elevator platform. The vehicle from the stall A-l is then transferred into the stall C-l, thereupon the vehicle carrier 18 may be operated to obtain ka vehicle in the stall A-2. Thel elevator is then moved to the discharging floor, 4where upon its return the vehicles may be redistributed to their proper stalls. This may be done during the slack period in the garage operation. It will be seen that vehicles stored in any of the stalls E--2, F-2 and B-2 may be obtained in a similar manner, which employs first the step of obtaining a vehicle from one of the stalls C l or D-l, by one of the carriers 17 or 18, which is to be employed as a storage carrier, the transferring -of thatfearfier toits originar petitionr on the elevator, the operation of the other carrier to ob-v tain a vehicle from any of the stalls E-L A-1, F`1 or B-1, thek transfer of the car obtained into the vacant stall and then the movement of the carrier to obtain the car from the stall desired. y

By this method of handling automobiles, it is possible therefore to obtain a vehiclek in any stall of a plurality of rows on either side of the vehicle carrier without the necessity of moving'the elevator by employing the elevator as a temporary storage place while the vehicle in the proper stall is obtained. 1

Figo?? illustrates a fragmentary floor plan of one of the storage floors of a garage wherein a twdposition one carrier elevator is employed. If this building is relatively high, in order` to secure high speed of operation, a two position single carrier elevator will be employed, having access to eight'l stalls on every floor. rThe vehicle handling mechanism is identically thefsame asthat herein described, being one of the-carriers 18 that is adapted to move transverselyoff the elevator platform. 'In order to render the vehicles in the various stalls of the rear'rows accessible, one stall in the bank of eight stalls 4is left vacant. "The group of eight stalls accessible to this elevatorV have Vbeen designated by the reference characters A-lyA-Z, B- 1, B-`2,` C-1, C-2, and D-l, D2. It will be seen that with one stall vacant, the cars may be transferred so that a vehicle in any stall may be obtained, it being only necessary to transfer one additional carto the vacant storage space, in order, to ren-` derany car easily accessible; Since the t1ans' ferringgmovement takes place without movement y of the elevator, the Vehicles in any stall are easily accessible and may be rapidly obtained.

Fig. 3 4also shows an arrangement of 'sixteen stalls accessible to the vehicle carrier 18 by moving lit-f off 4the elevator platform 16. This is done inthe lower buildings in orderv to distributei-he cost of the,vehicle handling lequipment over a greater'n'umber of stallsLl It will beappreciated that in this system, it is only necessary t0` leave one stall-vacant on a `floor 'inthe vtotal group that -is served by the'vehicle carrier 18.` l' By this arrangement any car in any stall may be'obtained without the necessity of moving the elevator.r In this instance, vin order to obtain any carin the rear row, it is only necessary to handle two-cars under the worst'conditions It will be `appreci' ated also .that in the event two elevators are employed in abuilding of this character with a carrier ,oneach one, having common access toai plurality p of stalls, that but one stall may bevleft vacant in the whole group since either carrier mayfunction to transfer the car in front to'the designated vacantstall.- 'I'his provision` reduces the number of Istalls that need be left `vacant in the garage and renders vther number vacated a very small percentage of the number available.

Fig. 4 illustrates a iioor plan of a typical garage employing theV three position single carrier elevator, the carrierl having a transverse move-V ment across the elevator platform 16 into alinem'ent'with any of the three rowsof stalls oneither side'` accessible" thereto.v 'Ihese stalls .have `rbeen designated by the reference numerals A-l, A-2, B -L CTL'c-z, D l, D-2,E-,.1, E 2 andl F.-`1, F`2L Itv will-thus be seen that. by placingthe `stalls in a double row that one vehicle carrier will haveaccess ltotwelve stalls. By leaving one' stall of the 'twelve stalls vacant, it

to secure the same results and obtainaocejss toy all cars, it will be necessaryto add an additional f vacantA stall for every two rows added,.`consider.

ing thevtwo added rows as being one onrzeither side of the carrier. I

.By'this method of handling thevehicles, ,itis possible to construct a'garage upon any desired piece of property and'V meet all conditionsimpofsed by building laws as to set backs, bythelvalue ofY the ground, the' speed at whichvehicles ,mustbe handled, and the height of the building. Eurthermore, this method permits carsntotbelstored double bank without lengtheningfto any great extent the time interval necessary to obtain them, since no elevator movement` is required. r.the method illustratedin' Fig.' 2wherein"two carrier elevators is provided, is particularly ade vantageous in lbuildings requiring high speed. op'` eration since two vehicles may behandled simul# taneously. Also` itis unnecessaryv to leave .a va-r cant stall.' This is accomplished by employing the elevator platform'las a storage space for a 4vehicle temporarily while' accessv is" beinghad Vto the vehicle inthe'proper stalls. l. My improved method of Ahandling vvehicles therefore isV particularly adapted tofmeet varying conditions encountered in automatic garage op erations by means of the improved apparatusy and,

control described. o y

.While I have described certain specific meth@v ods and certain' apparatus for carrying outmy invention, it will be understood thatI do notfdef sire lto be limited to vsuch methods andapparatus but wish to protect by Letters Patentall such changes, modications and deviations mythe methods illustrated and described as come within the scope 'of the appended claims. I" I v Ilaill'l A.' .v' 4

l 1. `In Va Vehicle storage. system the combination with a garage having a plurality of stallsarranged in 'superposed groups, each' group comprising two rows of vehicle stalls separatedfrom twov other rows of vehicle ,stalls by an elevator hatchway,A an elevator. adapted to, travel in" said h'atchway` having a .platformv vsuflcientlyLwidle to accommo. datfea'plurality of automobiles', ofla vehicle han! d ling mounted on said platformV foremoveay ment therewith and'with respect 'thereto,.mech anism for ,Inoving said unit transverselyb aidl p'iatform, struck carried byvsaid `amtTasting a vehicle' engaging member,V mechanism'or `mov-.-

ing' said truckinto anyfstall/in `a group, a-pushV button associated "with .said unit iforfieacli,fstalllx lin" 'the'..lgroupy and automaticmechanisml cone..

troueci by Said push buttons when the, elevator is leveled at the selected oor andthe doors opened for controlling the movements 'of said truck in.

ing two rows of vehicle stalls separated from two' other rows of vehicle stalls by an elevator hatch-' v way, an elevator adapted to travelv'in said hatchwayl having a platform suiiiciently' wide to la'ccommodate a pluralityjof automobiles, ofta' vehicle handling unit mounted on' said platform for movementA therewith'and with respect 4there-l to, mechanism for 'movin'gsaid unit transversely of said platform, a truck carried Vbysaid unit having a Yvehicle engaging member, mechanism for moving said truck' into'any stall in a group, aV push button associated with said unit for each stall in the group, and automatic mechanism controlled'by said 'push' buttons when the elevator is leveled at the selected floor and the doors opened forcontrolling the vmovements of said truck into any, stall in the group and returning it'to's'a-id unit. y

"3.'In .a vehicle storage system the combination withl agarage having a 'plurality of stalls arranged in superpo's'ed groups, each group comprising twoj rows, of vehicle stalls separated from two' other 'rows of vehicle stalls by an elevator hatchway, anel'e'vator 'adapted to travel in said hatr'ahwayl having a platform su'ciently wide to accommodate 'a 'plurality of automobiles, of a vehicle handlingunit mounted'on said platform for rm,t'iverl'ent Vtherewith 'and with respect thereto, mechanism for moving said unit transversely 'i Stau 'in' the group, and automatic mechanism controlled by said push buttonswh'en the elevator is" leveledV at the 'selected iloor 'and the doors. opened for." 'controlling the movements of said unit" and truck to cause said truck` to move into any stall in they group.

' 4. Inav'ehicle storage system the combinationwith a garagehavng a plurality of stalls arranged in superpo'sed groups, each group compri'slng two rows of vehicle stalls separated from twohother. rows of vehicle stalls by an elevator hatchway, ,an"elevator adapted to travel in said hatchway,'having' a platform sumciently wide to accbmfnodate'j'a,plurality of automobiles, of a vehicle handling unit mounted on said platform for movingtherewith and with respect' thereto, mechanism 'for' moving said unit transversely of sai'dplat'form', a ltruck 'carried bysaid unit having a vehicle engaging member,l mechanism `for moving said truck into any stallina' group, a push "button associated* with "said Vunit for eachA stall in the group, and automatic 'mechanism controlled by, 'said push" buttons when the elevator isf'levefted' at thetfselejcted yn ojor and the doors. oefent-'cl for 'controili'ngthe 'movements of Asaid u'n'itaiidttruck ,to causesai'd truck to move into any 'stallV inthetgroup an'd'return to said unit. 5Lj n a vehiclejstorage system, the combination 4of ara' plurality of stalls varranged in tiers, an elevator travelling lbetween the' tiers, vehicle handlingappar'atus carri-ed by `said elevator comprisingNa-*carrier frame; a truck mounted' on me havingY two 'pairs `of Adriving wheels, a p` A dler wheelsspaced jfromeach vpair of drivingwheels a sufficient distance toy span the gap between'itlre edge 'of the `elevator and the edge of any r-stall vlat 4which the elevator' rests.

"6."n a'v'elrlcle storage system, the combinatl'onwith 'garage having 'a plurality of stalls arranged in superposed groups, e'ach'g'roup comprising two rows of 'vehicle stallsseparated from two other rows 'of vehicle 'stalls' by 'anfeleva'tor hatchway, anv 'elevator'adapt'ed to travel in said hatchway having -a platform sufficiently wide to accommodate a plurality of automobiles, of a vehicle handling unit mounted on said platform, for 'movement 'therewith and-with respect thereto, mechanism formo'ving said unit transversely o`f`^said platform, a `'trut'zk carried by said unit ha'yin'g` 'a Vvehicle 'engaging member, 'mechanism for moving said truck into any stallin a group, a push button associated with said unit for each stall in the group and mechanism controlled by said push buttons for preselecting the path of movement of said truck to a definite stall in the group. l

7. In a vehicle storage system, the combina-I tion with a garage having a plurality of stalls arrangedin superposed groups, each grouplcomprising two rows of vehicle stalls separated from two other rows of vehicle stalls by an elevator. hatchway, an elevator adapted to travel 1n said hatchway havingy a platform sufficiently 'wide to accommodate a plurality of automobiles, 'of 'a vehicle handlingunit mounted on said platform for movement therewith 4and with respect thereto, mechanism for moving said 'un'it transversely vof said platform, a truck carried by said unit having a vehicleengaging member, mechanism for moving said truck into any stall in aY group, a 'push button associated with said unit 'for each stall in the group, Sand mechanism controlled by said' push buttons for preselecting the path of movement of said truck from anystall inthe group to a denite position on the unit.

8. In a vehicle storage system, the combination with a garage ,having a plurality of stalls arranged in superposed groups', each group comprising two rows of vehicle stalls separated from two other rows of vehicle stalls by an elevator hatchway, an elevator adapted to travel in said hatchway having a platform sufficiently wide to accommodate a plurality of automobiles, of a. vehicle handling unit mounted on said platform for movement vtherewith and with respect thereto, mechanism formoving said unit transversely of said platform, a truck carried by said unlthavring a vehicle engaging member, mechanism'for moving said truck-into .any stall in a group. a push button associated ,with said unit for each stall in a, group, and mechanism controlled bysaid push button for preselecting the rmovements of said unit and truck with respect'to any stall inthe group. V l

9.y In 4a `vehicle lstorage system, the combinationwitha garage havinga plurality of stalls arranged inlY-superposed-groups, each group .comprising, two rows of vehicle stalls separated rfrom two other rows of vehicle stalls by an elevator hatchway, an elevator adapted to travel in `said hatchway having a platform sufficiently Wide to accommodate a plurality of automobilesylof a vehicle'handling unit mountedpn said platiorm for movingl therewith and with respect thereto, mechanism for moving said unit transverselyv of said platform, atruck carried-'by said unitllhaving avehicle 'engaging member, mechanism for moving said :truck into .any :stall in :a group, a push :button associated 'with' said unitfor .each stalli-n the group, zand mechanism controlled by said push 'buttons for. pre-'selecting the movement of said -unit with respect to a-definite position 'on the elevator vand the -rnovement of said truck with' respect to a particular stall-.

1'0. 'InV avehicle storage system,- the combinationVw-it-h -a garage having a'plurality ofstalls arranged inl vsuperposed groups, :each group comprisi'ng two rows vo'f lvehicle stalls separated from vehicle 'handling unitv mounted on .said vplatform for' movement therewith and with respect there- ACn soA

to, mechanism for moving said unit transversely of said platform, a truck carried by said unit having a vehicle engaging member, mechanism forv moving said truck into any one of a plurality of stalls in a row in a group, a push button associated with said unit for each stall in the group and mechanism controlled by said push buttons for preselecting the path of movement of said truck to a definite stall of said plurality.

11. In a vehicle storage system, a garage having an elevator hatchway, a stall on either side of said hatchway on each iioor, a stall intermediate of each stall and said elevator hatchway on each floor, an elevator adapted to travel in said hatchway, a vehicle handling unit' mounted on said elevator for movement therewith and with respect thereto, mechanism for moving said unit into any one of the stalls on any floor, and electrical means for pre-selectingbefore the elevator has reached the floor of the desired stall the path of movement of said unit into any one of the stalls on any floor. l

12. In a vehicle storage structure, a pluralit of floors, a row of vehicle storage spaces on each iioor, an elevator hatchway, a second row of vehicle storage spaces intermediate said rst rovv and said hatchway, an electrical circuit corresponding to each stall, an elevator adapted to travel in said hatchway, la vehicle handling unit associated with said elevator and detachable therefrom, mechanism carried by said vehicle handling unit for driving it from said elevator and into the path of a series of storage spaces and automatic means including` the associated electrical circuit for stopping said unit in any predetermined stall of said series.

13. In a vehicle storage structure, a plurality of oors, a row of vehicle storage spaces on each floor, an elevator hatchway, a second row of vehicle storage spaces intermediate said first row and said hatchway, an elevator adapted to travel in said hatchway, a vehicle handling unit associated with said elevator and detachable therefrom, mechanism carried by said vehicle handling unit for driving it from'said elevator and into the path of a series of storage spaces and pre-r selected electrical means capable of being operated prior tothe elevator reaching the floor of the desired stall for stopping said unit in any pre-` determined stall rof said series.

14. In a vehicle storage structure, a plurality of floors, a row of vehicle storage spaces on each floor, an elevator hatchway, a second row of vehicle storage spacesintermediatethe rst row and saidhatchway, an elevator adapted to travel in said hatchway to any floor, a vehicle handling unit associated with said elevator means for driving said vehicle handling unit into any of said spaces on the floor with which the elevator is associated, means for predetermining the space to which the vehicle handling unit is moved on the floor selected including means associated With said vehicle handling unit and common to all said spaces and means individual to the predetermined space.

15. In an apparatus yfor handling automobiles and like vehicles, an elevator platform, a carrier yframe mounted on said platform and movable thereupon, vehicle Wheel supporting tracks carried by said carrier frame, a transfer truck mounted on said carrier frame and movable with respect to it, vehicle Wheel engaging members mounted on said truck and movable with respect to it to engage apair of Wheels of the vehicle on either side thereof andvmeans for operating said Wheel engaging members comprising a rack and pinion mechanism.

SAMUEL E. BUETTELL.

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